In a statement, MSU head coach Mike Leach said Nichol had a sudden battle "with a number of health issues." The Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported it was a battle with cancer.
"He made everyone around him a better person and impacted everyone he met with kindness, loyalty and friendship," Leach wrote. "He meant a lot to me as well as countless others, and I will forever be grateful to have had him in my life for the last 22 years... Dave is gone way too soon. We have lost an amazing friend, coach and all-around great guy. Rest in peace, my friend. We miss you already."
Nichol spent two seasons at Mississippi State on Leach's staff before leaving this offseason to coach at Southern California. He was part of Leach's staff for four seasons at Washington State and three years at Texas Tech.
A native of Chicago, Nichol attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas (Texas) before enrolling at Texas Tech. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech in 1999 before earning his masters three years later.
